For years, Michelin stars have been the thing that turns a good restaurant into a coveted destination. It’s a symbol that can send diners halfway across the world in search of the perfect bite.
So, it was only a matter of time before Michelin turned its attention to where you stay – not just where you eat.
That’s what the Michelin Key is all about. Entering its second year, the Michelin Guide has curated a list of the world’s best luxury hotels, where every visit promises to be an exceptional experience.
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Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The Michelin Guide, says: “Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honour hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments.
“Whether travelers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels, or hidden gems off the beaten path, the Michelin Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore, and book truly memorable stays that inspire and delight.”
The Michelin Key Hotels 2025
The Michelin Guide has chosen over 7,000 hotels around the world, highlighting the most outstanding stays.
Their assessments are based on five universal criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.
Similar to a Michelin-rated restaurant, hotels can earn up to three Michelin Keys, one being a very special stay, two being exceptional, and three being extraordinary – so, a trip of a lifetime.
You can browse the 2025 Michelin Key Hotels by destination on their website. We look at some of the top Michelin Key hotels across the globe below.
The best hotels in the UK
An icon of British hospitality, The Savoy is known as the ‘original London luxury hotel’ and is one of the most prestigious. First opened in 1889, it boasts a legacy of glamour (no wonder, as it’s famous for witnessing some of the 20th century's wildest celebrity antics), with an Art Deco-style seafood bar, a view of the Thames, and the legendary Savoy Grill – now in the hands of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
2. The Newt in Somerset, Bruton
Just two hours from London is a historic Somerset country estate with Georgian decor, vast gardens for fresh produce, and a luxury spa. Guests can visit the deer park, take a bee safari or opt for a honey tasting, and explore a replica Roman villa.
3. The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
When the Gleneagles opened more than a 100 years ago, it was the epitome of decadence – and golf holidays. This Scottish institution continues to attract a global crowd, and while its grandeur may seem imposing, it’s a venue everyone is drawn to thanks to its charm, appeal, and the warmest hospitality.
The best hotels in the rest of Europe
A newer three-key hotel – but no less luxurious, this hotel on the banks of the canal upholds the tradition of the classic European grand hotel. Its timeless legacy offers rich detail in all its rooms and suites, while maintaining a distinct identity. Its restaurants include a French brasserie, an Italian trattoria, and a Michelin-starred Dutch kitchen, so look nowhere else for an opulent meal.
2. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Greece
At the tip of a peninsula on the Athens Riviera lies the Astir Palace, reimagined as part of the prestigious Four Seasons family. True to the brand’s reputation, the resort offers luxury and impeccable service. You mustn’t miss the sea-facing cabanas or indulgent spa treatments, truly an ode to Greek summers. Its flagship fine dining restaurant, Pelagos, has a Michelin star that channels the flavours of the Aegean with a contemporary flair.
3. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps near the Liechtenstein border. The hotel offers quiet luxury – guests can enjoy a selection of spas and saunas, with unforgettable views. Read MoneyWeek’s review here.
The best hotels in North America
Costa Rica's first three-key hotel is an understated masterpiece in the Arenal Volcano National Park, and a favourite for travellers. Each villa has luxurious touches like hot springs pools and traditional furnishings for an authentic look. The hotel is a sloth sanctuary, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some of nature’s finest creations. The restaurants deliver exceptional cuisines that are a blend of traditional and international flavours, while the spa offers serene open-air pavilions where you can finally unwind.
2. The Beverly Hills Hotel, USA
If you can’t get enough of Hollywood glamour, visit this legendary hotel – known as The Pink Palace – for a true taste of stardom. The hotel has been a playground for the rich and famous since 1912. Despite refurbishments, it keeps its charm intact, blending timeless decor with modern luxury, such as private balconies, marble bathrooms, and Frette linens. Dining at the Polo Lounge is a rite of passage, and you can step out for a coffee at the Fountain Coffee Shop for a classic Beverly Hills experience.
Once the home of an Italian duchess, this intimate hideaway is an antidote to the high-rise hotels you find elsewhere on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. There are just a handful of rooms, but you can expect beachfront bungalows, gardens, and an organic spa that uses the principles of ancient medicine. For those who want to participate in more activities, the Esencia organises excursions like snorkelling, horseback riding, jungle walks and windsurfing.
The best hotels in South America
In South America, high adventure and high luxury go hand in hand, but few hotels match the exceptional standard set by Belmond Las Casitas. Set in Peru’s Colca Valley, the location itself is hard to beat, with its dramatic landscapes and home to one of the world’s deepest canyons. The hotel is a sprawling 20-acre estate that strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, resulting in a luxury accommodation you won’t forget.
2. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Chile
Set on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia is a masterclass in eco-luxury. The two-key rated, design-forward hotel nearly vanishes into the Patagonian terrain. But once you step inside, it’s a warm, cozy stay where you can admire the landscape, take daily excursions, enjoy a spa retreat, or explore dishes that draw on regional ingredients.
Rio may feel more familiar than exotic, but the Copacabana Palace still holds on to the city’s golden-age glamour – despite being inspired by the great seaside European hotels. They are unapologetically classy, and you won’t find a hint of minimalism in the rich fabrics and period details. This grand white landmark has been an icon of Brazilian luxury for over a century now, yet its rhythm still pulses beyond the palace walls.
The best hotels in Africa
1. Royal Malewane, South Africa
If you’re after a luxury safari, look no further. Situated in a private reserve within South Africa’s Kruger National Park, this three-key retreat represents the pinnacle of safari experiences, but elevated. The lodge features eight grand suites with uninterrupted views of the wilderness, antique furniture and claw-foot tubs that offer seclusion and grandeur. Big Five sightings are almost guaranteed, and you can return to indulgent spa treatments after an adventurous day, or lounge with a vintage wine for a fine dining experience.
You’ll find Kasbah Tamadot in the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and under an hour’s drive from Marrakech, honouring Berber tradition and Moroccan craftsmanship. It’s owned by English magnate Richard Branson, and is operated under the Virgin Limited Edition banner, but stays true to its setting – think carved doors, intricate tilework, and handwoven textiles that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
There’s nowhere quite like Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, where dunes meet the icy Atlantic, and rusting shipwrecks stand as an eerie reminder of what once was. In this setting, you’ll find Shipwreck Lodge, inspired by the many vessels lost to the treacherous coast. The lodge’s ten cabins nod to maritime ruins and offer front-row views of the horizon.
The best hotels in Asia
1. Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
Many tend to flock to India just across the waters, but Sri Lanka is ready to take the spotlight. The island’s tea country remains one of the most underexplored landmarks, and so, Ceylon Tea Trails, a three-key retreat, offers a window into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Set some 4,000 feet above sea level, the property is made of restored plantation bungalows, divided into spacious suites with modern comfort, like cane furniture and vintage maps. You get a full experience, including bed tea, decadent breakfasts, more tea, and some premium wines.
European luxury brand Bvlgari finds a way to make a statement in Tokyo, with this luxury hotel. Perched atop a sleek skyscraper, the hotel is the work of renowned architects, Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, whose interiors channel Milanese and Japanese aesthetics. It delivers on the Bvlgari promise of high-touch luxury. The public spaces are equally striking, including the Bvlgari Bar, an ultra-exclusive spa, and Michelin-level Italian cuisine in the heart of Tokyo.
In a striking neoclassical building near Hanoi’s Opera House, Capella Hanoi is a homage to the golden age of opera in the 1920s. Every room and suite is curated with detail, elegance, and just enough drama. You can relish the Vietnamese-French cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails, while the spa brings a quieter wellness space for relaxation. The result is a living stage set for a thunderous applause.
The best hotels in the Middle East
1. Atlantis the Royal Dubai, UAE
Even by Dubai’s standards, Atlantis is a bold statement, and more extravagant than most. It’s one of the top-rated three-key hotels on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah. Think infinity pools, private gardens, and a playground of terraces. The scale of this structure is massive – nearly 800 rooms and suites, all lavish, and many with ocean views. Atlantic The Royal is also a gastronomic hub, home to the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, plus a lavish nightlife that keeps things buzzing well past sunset.
Alila is Sanskrit for surprise. And a surprise it is. This stylish and secluded hotel is perched high in Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range, making a name for itself with world-class design and sustainability in the Middle East. The resort is surrounded by cliffs, deep canyons and ridgelines that stretch towards the horizon. Inside, the juniper murals, the cliffside infinity pool, and lounges add an extra layer of exclusivity and elevate the idea of mountain luxury.
Situated in the coastal city of Lusail, Raffles Doha occupies one half of the Katara Towers, an architectural marvel shaped like the crossed swords of Qatar’s national emblem. As far as first impressions go, this one goes so far as to define the next era of ultra-luxury hospitality in the Gulf region. From mosaic floors and gold-accented ceilings to futuristic rooms and private art collections, this hotel sets itself apart from the rest.
The best hotels in Oceania
1. The Brando, French Polynesia
Just 30 miles from Tahiti lies Tetiaroa, first discovered by American actor Marlon Brando while filming Mutiny on the Bounty. He famously acquired it in exchange for cash and a homemade apple pie. Today, it is home to The Brando, a luxury eco-resort once reserved for Tahitian royalty. The resort is tucked among palm groves and coral reefs, every detail carefully planned out, and sustainability is at the heart of it. Guests can make more than just a tropical escape out of it.
2. Lizard Island Resort, Australia
On the Great Barrier Reef, the Lizard Island Resort offers a combination of seclusion with natural immersion. This off-grid all-inclusive resort is only accessible by plane, and offers privacy like no other. Encircled by 24 powder-white beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It’s made for those who love an adventure on the sea. You can also take a plunge into a private pool while enjoying panoramic views over Anchor Bay.
Set on the banks of the Waikato River, the Huka Lodge has hosted royalty and rock stars, with guests having included Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Gates. Over the years, it has evolved into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated luxury retreats, with understated elegance and luxury, despite being founded as a fisherman’s hideaway a century ago. While the lodge still caters to anglers from around the world, you can still take part in other experiences, like white-water rafting, gold or horseback riding.
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